What is IMES?

The Institute of Middle East Studies (IMES) is a research and resource institute founded by the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary (ABTS).

The MANDATE of IMES is to bring about positive transformation in thinking and practice between Christians and Muslims in the Middle East and beyond. IMES is responding to the increasingly urgent NEED to dispel mutually false perceptions between peoples of different religions and cultures, which eventually result in inadequate practice in social, religious, political, and personal spheres.

The PURPOSE of IMES is to increase general awareness about Middle East realities and to resource Evangelicals to serve specific needs in the Arab World and among Arab communities worldwide.

Who Do We Serve?

Community and religious workers (Arab and non-Arab) active in the Arab world or among Arab communities worldwide

Leaders of Christian organizations based in and focused on the Arab World

Theology students with a pastoral, teaching and research focus

Christian instructors and researchers in Middle Eastern Studies

Christian reporters and authors working on Middle Eastern issues

The wider Christian community in the Middle East and beyond

IMES seeks to fulfill its mandate by offering first hand exposure to Middle East realities, and study and research opportunities in an Arab Middle Eastern context. It promotes and initiates the development of contextually appropriate resources that inspire transformed practice.

What do we do?

The following PROGRAMS constitute the principal activities of IMES, designed to fulfill its Mission:

Who We Are

Founded in 1960 in the hills overlooking Beirut, the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary (ABTS) equips servant-leaders for the ministry challenges arising in the Middle East and North Africa – be it theology, apologetics, communication, pastoral care, ethics, society, or culture.

Our Vision

To see God glorified, people reconciled, and communities restored through the Church in the Arab world.

Our Mission

To serve the Church in our region as it realizes its Biblical mission of having Christ acknowledged as Lord by offering specialized learning resources and equipping faithful men and women for effective service.